Speech educator by day, library volunteer at night [Rodgers Forge]

Karen Arnett de Rodriguez, krodasada@gmail.com

Gaywood Road resident Nora Kotula, is a super hero by day — and night. As a Baltimore City Public School speech coordinator, Nora has arguably one of the most important and challenging jobs in society: educating the young and helping them establish the foundation that forms the base for their lives. Reading — both proficiency and comprehension — are important to a successful education and career. So it's no surprise that Nora, a special educator by day, would be a member of the Friends of the Towson Library by night. For many years, Nora has held significant roles in the Friends of the 20-year-old Towson Library Annual Book Sale, and this year is no different. Nora is spearheading the book sale and doing a bang-up job. The book sale runs Thursday, April 10 through Sunday, April 13.

Speaking of do-gooders who like to help children, Leslie Cotter negotiated from area businesses 15 different goods and services donations ranging from gourmet dog biscuits to trendy gift certificates to support the Woodbrook Early Education (WEE) Center's annual Family Fun Night and Silent Auction on Thursday, April 10. In addition to the auction, featuring more than 50 donations, there will be a magician, ice cream bar and student art gallery. Also, congratulations to WEE Center, with a special shout-out to teachers Sarah Baldwin, Stanmore Road, and Megan Sevidal, Heathfield Road, on successfully achieving their National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation. They both made high scores. Kudos, ladies!

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Janine Schofield, Pinehurst Road, is organizing the annual Rodgers Forge Dumpster Day. On May 10, you can bring your yard waste and trash to the elementary school to offload; also, your electronics for recycling. But wait, there's more. If you have building materials or household goods you want to donate to a nonprofit, both Loading Dock and AmVets will be there to collect useable items and provide receipts. Thanks Janine! Hopefully after May 10 I'll be able to navigate through my garage again.

For 18 years, Debbie Hughey, beloved kindergarten teacher at Rodgers Forge Elementary School, has been introducing many of our children to the wonderful world of education. Now she can add first-time grandmother to her list of outstanding attributes. Grandson Thomas Brandon Marsh III, aka Tripp, was born three weeks early arriving at 4:30 a.m. on March. Grammy, Tripp and parents Alice and Thomas Marsh are all doing very well. Congratulations, Mrs. Hughey and family!

The Boston Marathon takes place on April 21 this year. And Regester Avenue resident Adam Callaway, winner of the 2013 Maryland County Cup half marathon, will be among the 36,000 athletes participating. Adam has been training for months in anticipation. Good luck, Adam.